Donate to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal HERE.
A man hugs his daughter and granddaughter after they crossed the border from Shehyni in Ukraine to Medyka in Poland. Numerous Ukrainians are leaving the country fleeing the conflict. Image credit: Michael Kappeler/dpa
Charities in Northern Ireland have united to launch a major fundraising appeal for people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.
The DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal to raise urgent funds to help those forced to flee their homes gets underway today. Over one million people have left Ukraine in the last week and many more have been displaced inside the country due to intense fighting.
Locally, the appeal is supported by the British Red Cross, Save the Children NI, Concern Worldwide Northern Ireland and Tearfund NI who have joined the wider DEC effort to raise funds quickly and efficiently.
Inside Ukraine homes have been destroyed and essential infrastructure such as water supplies, hospitals and schools have been hit. People are being forced to hide in shelters and metro stations to stay safe.
As a result, hundreds of thousands of people are crossing borders into Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Moldova, triggering a large-scale humanitarian crisis. The UN estimates that four million people could flee the country due to the conflict. The majority crossing the borders are women and children arriving with only what they can carry.
As what will happen next with the conflict remains unclear, the 15 leading UK aid charities supported by the DEC have united to scale up their response and help families affected by the crisis. DEC members and their local partners are responding in Ukraine and across neighbouring countries to meet the immediate needs of people fleeing with food, water, health assistance, protection, and trauma care.
Every pound donated by the UK public will be matched by the UK government through its Aid Match scheme up to the value of £20 million. This support will double the impact of the public’s own donations and will ensure that charities working on the ground can reach those in urgent need.
Kevin McCaughan, Senior Institutional Programme Funding Officer at the British Red Cross in Northern Ireland said:
“The conflict in Ukraine is having a devastating impact on hundreds of thousands of people. Lives are being lost, homes are being destroyed and families are being separated. Over one million people have fled their homes with only enough as they can carry, and long queues are forming at borders. With so many people impacted, there is a need for those of us at home to give what we can to support people seeking refuge.”
“DEC charities and their local partners are active both in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries. This appeal will help them to scale up their efforts and make sure food, water, health assistance and trauma care make it to those in desperate need. We have a chance to mobilise the generosity of people here in Northern Ireland and help more families and individuals impacted by the conflict. I urge local people and businesses to donate what they can to those affected at this crucial time.”
DEC Chief Executive Saleh Saeed said:
“I could never have envisaged launching a humanitarian appeal in Europe in 2022. But tragically, that’s exactly where we find ourselves. Our members are working tirelessly with local partners to reach people in Ukraine swiftly as the brutal conflict turns lives upside down. Families, including many children, have been forced to leave everything they know behind to find safety and desperately need food, water and shelter. The DEC exists to mobilise the British public’s generosity and goodwill at times of crisis overseas, and this is one of those moments.”
Romanian firefighters helping Ukrainians on the border with Romania called Vama siret. Image credit: World Vision.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the Appeal in PMQs in the House of Commons. He said:
“Time and time again the British people have proved responsive and generous when confronted with a global emergency, and so I have no doubt that millions will support this vital appeal.”
“That is also why the UK Government will match every pound donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee by the British public, ensuring vital supplies and support reaches those left homeless, displaced and distraught by this war.”
Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss said:
“The UK stands with people fleeing this terrible conflict and we are working with our humanitarian partners to provide for those in need in Ukraine and the wider region in their hour of need.”
“Through the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, we will match, pound for pound, up to £20 million of donations from the Great British public, ensuring vital support reaches communities in desperate need of help.”
How to Donate:
· Online: dec.org.uk
· Phone: 0370 60 60 610
· SMS: To donate £10 text SUPPORT to 70150. Texts cost £10 and the whole £10 goes to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. You must be 16 or over and please ask the bill payer's permission. For full terms and conditions and more information go to www.dec.org.uk
· Or donate over the counter at any high street bank or post office or send a cheque by post to Post: DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, PO Box 999, London EC3A 3AA.